The Marina Machans return to the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Saturday, with Clifford Miranda and Brison Fernandes looking to build on the team’s progress and secure three points.
Chennai, November 6, 2026: Following their first home fixture against Kerala Blasters FC last Saturday, the Marina Machans will be looking to build on their home advantage as they host East Bengal FC in their second consecutive game at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
Head coach Clifford Miranda and winger Brison Fernandes addressed the media ahead of the encounter, discussing the challenge posed by the visitors, Chennaiyin’s progress in their playing style and the importance of converting their chances in the final third.
Miranda acknowledged East Bengal’s quality and the advantage they have gained from an earlier start to their season, while emphasising that Chennaiyin are equally prepared for the contest.
“They have a lot of players who are very established. I think they, along with Mohun Bagan, have the best squad. But again, like I always say, football is played on the pitch. During those 90 minutes, who is stronger, more concentrated, more prepared and, most importantly, who takes the chances and creates chances? That team usually goes on to win the game,” the head coach said.
The coach also pointed to Chennaiyin’s preparation, highlighting the seven weeks of pre-season and seven friendly matches the team completed ahead of the campaign. While acknowledging that the visitors’ earlier start gives them an advantage in terms of match rhythm and squad rotation, he maintained that his side is ready for the challenge.
“We have had seven weeks of pre-season in which we played seven friendly games. So, I have nothing to hide, and we are prepared. We are prepared, not just now, but in the same way as we were prepared for the first game against Goa. It’s just that we haven’t been able to find the goals,” Miranda added.
Addressing the team’s ongoing search for goals, Miranda revealed that Chennaiyin have made a tactical adjustment to bring more players into the box, while keeping the details under wraps.
“Since the game against Bengaluru, we have made a small tweak. I will not tell you what that tweak is. Let the opponent find out what that tweak is. If you have seen our games carefully from Goa until the last game, we have made a tweak where we get more players in the box. It’s a very small one, but I think it’s effective enough,” he said.
The head coach also stressed that the responsibility for finding the net rests with the entire attacking unit and not just the team’s strikers. He called for greater composure and decisiveness from every player entering the final third.
“It’s important that we don’t rely on just one player, but on the other players around him, especially the offensive players, to start scoring. The problem for us right now is not about creating or getting into positions to score goals. It’s a bit about the final touch and the composure. Whoever gets into the final third needs to have a bit more composure and calmness,” Miranda said.
Brison Fernandes, meanwhile, spoke about the pride of earning a return to the national team setup, while keeping his immediate focus on Saturday’s fixture.
“It’s always a proud feeling for me to go and represent my national team. First, I will focus on this match, which we play against East Bengal. Then, I will go and be very proud to represent my country,” he said.
The winger also underlined his willingness to contribute in whichever way the team requires, whether through goals or assists.
“Every single time when I step up on the pitch, I think I want to help my team in whatever way I can. Assists as well as goals. And I want to keep going in every single match I play,” Brison added.
On the team news front, Miranda confirmed that Maheson Singh remains unavailable, while Emmanuel is suspended following his red card in the previous fixture against Kerala Blasters FC. The rest of the squad is available.
The Marina Machans will look to make the most of their home advantage and the backing of their supporters as they take on East Bengal FC, with the aim of securing their first win of the season.
